The Brothers from Dagestan Making Their Mark in MMA and with Manchester United.

Ibragim Ibragimov grins as he considers how his clan's life has transformed since moving to England from Dagestan eight years ago.

"I love it here," the PFL athlete declares.

"My father and I always comment, 'this was the nation I should have been born in.'"

The 21-year-old left his home in the North Caucasus of Russia because his father was convinced a move spanning more than 3,000 miles offered superior career prospects for him and his brothers.

The original idea was for Ibragim and his three brothers – Amir (17), Gazik (16), and Muhammad (15) – to finish their education before enrolling in one of the nation's colleges.

However, reality now looks somewhat distinct for the Ibragimov family.

Ibragim is now a pro MMA athlete and is regarded as one of the leading prospects in the PFL, a major MMA league.

His siblings have taken a separate path in athletics and have each been contracted by Manchester United – with Amir aiming for a position in the senior squad.

"The main thing for us is to squeeze the maximum out of our chosen fields," explains Ibragim.

"I want them to represent every one of the finest teams in the world. Today it is Man United, in the future it could be a different team."

From Wrestlers to Soccer Talents

Situated in southern Russia, Dagestan holds a mystical status among fight enthusiasts for producing a host of UFC titleholders in recent years.

The area has a rich history in wrestling, thriving in the combat sambo style and creating a host of Olympic and world champions.

This achievement is no accident, though, as children from the region are often encouraged to begin fighting, particularly wrestling, almost as soon as they can walk.

"As a a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we needed to be powerful, firstly to defend ourselves, your relatives, and your companions," says Ibragim.

"Therefore we all got used to fighting, and that's why people knows how to fight in Dagestan. It's not a surprise."

"Amir was a excellent wrestler. You can see the transition from wrestling to football; clearly, it assisted my little brothers a lot."

"Some of the players he faces don't have the same base he has. That's why he's stocky, strong and incredibly driven – because of wrestling."

Amir was only nine years old when he was put through his paces at Sheffield United. Unaware of his actual age, trainers grouped him with boys significantly older.

He was not intimidated by the mistake and was more than capable competing against older players thanks to his background in wrestling.

"They thought Amir and I were the identical age, apparently," says Ibragim.

Amir was recruited, together with Ibragim's little brothers Gazik and Muhammad.

The clan's time in South Yorkshire was short-lived, though, as only weeks after joining the Blades, Manchester United learned of Amir's talent and he transferred over the Pennines as a result.

"They played Manchester United in a tournament and Amir scored a spectacular free-kick," says Ibragim.

"One of their talent spotters saw him play and selected him immediately."

Half a dozen years after joining the Old Trafford club and at the age of 15, Amir became one of the youngest players in the club's records to train with the first team when he achieved this in April 2023.

"Know what he said to me? 'Here is where I belong'," Ibragim says.

"Can he be a first-team player for Manchester United? 100%. They should allow all the youthful players play right now."

"I don't think they would play less effectively than the current starters. I think the young guys are more motivated than the present squad members."

Following that, Gazik and Muhammad, the younger once on the books of Manchester City, have likewise transferred to Manchester United.

"Gazik, this youngster is gifted," continues Ibragim.

"He picked up every skill faster than everyone else. He's a good defender. He's going to be similar to a modern Rio Ferdinand for Man United."

'A Goal' to Compete at Old Trafford

Ibragim has also moved to Manchester and spends most of his days honing his MMA abilities at Manchester Top Team.

In August, he spent three weeks in his homeland at Khabib Nurmagomedov's gym, helping Islam Makhachev prepare for a late-year UFC title fight.

"I would never have imagined I would be learning under Khabib," Ibragim says.

"He was the best fighter in the world – and we always used to look up to him when we were young."

"Today, I'm here in his gym and training with Islam Makhachev."

Fresh from working with two UFC champions from Dagestan, it is no surprise Ibragim says he is desperate to claim a world title of his own one day.

However that does not prevent him from occasionally fantasizing of playing for United and stepping out on the hallowed turf at Old Trafford, much like his brothers.

"I had a PlayStation at home and I always used to play as Man United, scoring with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez," he recalls.

"Today, for my brothers to be Man United players, it's similar to a fantasy realized."

"An event at Old Trafford? It's a goal for me. I was speaking to the PFL officials about it to see if they would make it happen. It would be huge."